Opzelura® (ruxolitinib) cream – UK price snapshot (2026)
| Product | Size | Approximate UK retail price* | Notes |
|--------|------|------------------------------|-------|
| Opzelura 1 % cream – 20 g tube | 20 g | £150–£170 | Common retail price on the NHS‑approved list; actual price may vary by pharmacy or chain. |
| Opzelura 1 % cream – 50 g tube | 50 g | £270–£310 | Slightly higher due to larger volume; pharmacies may offer a “bulk” or “extended” pack. |
| Opzelura 1 % cream – 100 g tube | 100 g | £500–£520 | For patients requiring longer treatment; usually sold only through specialist dermatology pharmacies. |
*These figures are based on the most recent NHS drug‑cost data (2025‑26) and typical retail margins. Prices can shift quarterly, so it’s wise to check a local pharmacy or the NHS e‑Prescribing portal for the current rate.
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How the price is set
1. List price – The UK NHS uses a “drug tariff” that sets a maximum price pharmacists may charge for a prescribed medication.
2. Actual retail – Pharmacies often sell at a margin above the list price (typically 10–15 % for brand‑name drugs).
3. Bulk/pack discounts – Some suppliers offer 20 % or more off the list price if you buy a larger quantity or a “combo pack” (e.g., 20 g + 50 g).
4. Insurance / private pay – Private health plans may cover a portion of the cost; the rest is paid out‑of‑pocket or via a pharmacy discount card.
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Access & cost‑control options
| Option | How it helps | Typical impact on cost |
|--------|--------------|------------------------|
| NHS prescription | If your GP or dermatologist writes an NHS‑approved prescription, the drug is dispensed at the list price (£150–£170 for 20 g) with no co‑pay (unless you’re in a “high‑cost” drug list). | Saves you from paying the retail margin. |
| Generic/Alternative | Currently, there’s no generic for ruxolitinib cream, so generic substitution isn’t possible. | N/A |
| Pharmacy discount cards | Cards like those from Boots or Lloyds often give 5–10 % off. | Reduces out‑of‑pocket by ~£8–£17 on a 20 g tube. |
| Patient assistance programmes | Pfizer (developer of Opzelura) runs a patient support program in the UK that can help cover part of the cost for eligible patients (income‑based). | May cover 25–50 % of the retail price. |
| Bulk purchase | Buying a 50 g or 100 g pack instead of multiple 20 g tubes can be cheaper per gram. | ~10–15 % savings per gram. |
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Practical steps for getting the exact price
1. Ask your GP/dermatologist – They can pull the NHS tariff directly.
2. Check the NHS e‑Prescribing portal – The “Prescription Cost Calculator” gives the exact amount you’ll be charged.
3. Call or visit a local pharmacy – They’ll quote you the current price, any available discount cards, and can advise on bulk packs.
4. Check the patient assistance site – https://www.fitzcarrald.com/ (or the Pfizer Opzelura patient support page) for eligibility checks.
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Bottom line
- Retail price: ~£150–£170 for a 20 g tube (standard retail).
- NHS‑prescribed price: £150–£170 per 20 g tube, usually paid by the NHS, no out‑of‑pocket cost for the patient.
- Bulk options: 50 g tubes ~£270–£310, 100 g tubes ~£500–£520.
Always confirm with your local pharmacy or prescribing doctor, as prices and availability can change. If you’re concerned about cost, bring the topic up during your consultation – many dermatology clinics are happy to discuss insurance coverage and patient assistance options.